the main arena

it's the heart of the action

sponsored by
Northumberland College's Kirkley Hall Campus

It's the heart of the action every year at the festival; where excitement unfolds, showcasing exciting performances, thrilling competitions, and unforgettable spectacles. Whether you’re here for high-energy displays, expert demonstrations, or crowd-favorite attractions, it promises to be non-stop entertainment for all ages.

Timetable

introducing this year's attractions

Laughter. Fun. Great all round entertainment.

From high-speed agility and thrilling flyball to crowd-favourite displays and wow-moment performances — the Main Arena is the heartbeat of the festival. Join us all weekend long for non-stop entertainment, amazing dogs, expert handlers, and a whole lot of wagging tails.

Eclipse Flyball Club

Mini-Flyball Tournament

Flyball is a fast-paced canine sport where teams of dogs race against each other in a relay format, jumping over hurdles, triggering a box to release a ball, and returning with the ball over the hurdles to the start line.

It's a team sport that emphasises speed, agility, and precision.

Chloe & The Super Spaniels

Cinna the superstar agility dog (distance demo)

Join the thrills of the agility arena with teams from Raven River Agility Club and Petercise as they navigate all the obstacles of the agility course- From weaves and tunnels; to the a frame and dog walk. Joined by the amazing Chloe Ted,(Super Spaniels) showing agility can be for all.

Kipperridge gundogs

Gundog Display

Discover World-Class Gundog Training & Internationally Acclaimed Canine Displays.

Adrian and Caroline Slater have spent over 30 years captivating audiences with their renowned dog display team. Their performances have graced prestigious venues and even caught the attention of royalty, including HRH Prince Charles. With a deep understanding of canine behaviour and a wealth of experience, their shows blend skill, professionalism, and a profound connection between humans and their four-legged companions. As seen at Crufts!

North East Counties Working Trials Society

Working Trails Display

Working Trials is the pinnacle of The Kennel Clubs sanctioned dog sports in this country thats been around since the 1920’s It has also been described as the canine equivalent of Three Day Eventing for horses. All breeds can take part

it is the civilian equivalent of Police Dog work.

Curlabull Dtc

Rally Display

Our display will start by showing everyone that they can have a happy trained dog. We will demonstrate many of the aspects of the Kennel Club Good Citizen training programme and explain why having a trained dog is such a wonderful thing to have in your life.

The last part of the display will show some of our competitive team completing some of the exercises in a Rally Competition, these dogs will be showing off their talents, having a great time while they are doing it. Guaranteed wagging tails all round

The Drakes

of hazard

Duck Herding Display

Mark Wylie with his sheepdog and duck display team. This show will entertain, enthral, enchant and educate any audience both young and old alike. Watch the tenacious Indian Runner Ducks jaunt across our two infamous bridges; the "Golden Yolk Bridge" and the "Bridge over the River Quack". The fun doesn't stop there - the ducks will then run through the long, dark and mysterious "Bermuda Tunnel" not to mention the feather-ruffling "Tower of Doom" requiring great courage and a leap of faith to complete it safely.

walworth birds of prey

Birds of Prey Display

Watch the fantastic, interactive, fun filled falconry displays, with a huge selection of birds from everyone’s favourite owls, hawks, eagles, to our superb stooping falcons.

Tori and David are incredibly passionate about the birds and this comes through in their displays, with lots of informative commentary.

dog agility teams

Dog agility tournament

Fast and Furious this is a game of honour- which team will win- be sure to head to the main arena to shout for your favourite team as they compete in the tunnel challenge relay.

Ask the sponsor....

Dive deeper and find out more about our wonderful sponsor Northumberland College's Kirkley Hall Campus.

Why did you decide to get involved with the festival?

The festival is on our Campus, Really good way to engage with the public and share information on our courses and opportunities.

What can people look forward to from your trade area?

Opportunity to interact with animals from the on site zoo, Talk to the Dog Grooming Tutors and gain insight into Dog Grooming Care for different breeds and coats as well as speaking to out Animal Nursing Tutors about the different Animal Care courses on offer at Kirkley Hall for both school leavers and Adult Students.

What makes your business unique?

We’re part of the North East’s top performing college group for student achievement for the third year running. Our Kirkley Hall campus offers a range of animal, equine and land-based courses for school leavers, adults and Higher Education students. We also have residential accommodation on campus available for students, which has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted. Learners have access to our commercial zoo, working farm, engineering facilities and equine Centre.

Set in 400 acres of beautiful Northumberland countryside, Kirkley Hall includes outstanding land-based facilities, such as: Northumberland College Zoo, an equine Centre of excellence, a working farm, a military academy, walled gardens, engineering equipment, veterinary science labs, a dog grooming Centre and an immersive hub.

Find out more